On Wednesday, Jourdan Rodrigue, a reporter for The Charlotte Observer, asked Newton about passing routes at a press conference. Before answering, he paused and said, "It's funny to hear a female talk about routes." He laughed and smiled before repeating that it was "funny."

Rodrigue said later on Twitter: "I don't think it's 'funny' to be a female and talk about routes. I think it's my job."